Uttarakhand turns another year older this Foundation Day, but it remains as young and wild as the rivers that rush through it. Carved out as a separate
state on 9th November 2000, it has always been known for pilgrimage capitals like Haridwar and Rishikesh, yet for travellers, its real beauty also lies far beyond the well-trodden ghats and yoga cafés. Uttarakhand, also called Devbhoomi, belongs as much to the quiet villages, meadows and lakes that don't often make it to the tourist maps. Here are five breathtaking places in Uttarakhand that deserve every ounce of love, hype, and travel attention this Foundation Day and beyond.
Munsiyari
Tucked deep in the Kumaon region, Munsiyari is framed by the Panchachuli peaks, which reveal themselves on a clear winter morning. You'll see how the light changes here from morning to evenings and make you realise just how untouched this region is. Small wooden homes, warm Kumaoni meals, and trails that take you straight into the heart of the mountains, especially the Khaliya Top trek. You can also make your way to the Birthi Falls, that have a renewed look after monsoons.
Chopta
Before Auli became the poster destination, Chopta was where mountain loyalists went to remember why they loved the Himalayas. Evergreen forests, rolling bugyals (meadows), and crisp air continue to make it a worthy addition to your Uttarakhand itineraries. The Tungnath–Chandrashila Trek is the crown jewel. Tungnath is believed to be the highest Shiva temple in the world, and Chandrashila summit offers a 360° Himalayan panorama that looks unreal—Trishul, Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba—all in one sweep.
Khirsu
If you want to temporarily unplug yourself from the world, Khirsu in Pauri Garhwal is the escape hatch. Surrounded by deodar and pine forests, it offers clear views of more than 300 Himalayan peaks on a good day. There is no tourist circuit here so there is no rush. You can explore the forests on foot, or the many temples here like Devalgarh and Jwalpa Devi, and have morning picnics with Kumaoni food.
Bhimtal
Just 30 minutes from crowded Nainital, Bhimtal feels like a secret meant for people who like their lakes quiet and reflective. The water is still enough to mirror passing clouds, and the town has slowly grown into a relaxed, café-friendly destination. You can actually skip the lakes and go for a birding expedition near Sattal or opt for a lakeside stay for bonfires and catchups with friends.
Nelang Valley
Located near the Indo-Tibet border and inside the Gangotri National Park, Nelang Valley looks like the landscape has been stripped to its elemental bones—desert cliffs, icy winds, cobalt skies. This is why its also called the Ladakh of Uttarakhand. It was almost abandoned after the 1962, Indo-China war, but was recently reopened to tourists in limited windows. It is raw, remote, and humbling and meant for travellers who are willing to learn about its history that is both tumultuous and inspirational. Do make a trip to Gartang Gali, a wooden staircase carved into a cliff, which was recently reopened.
